Cannondale’s Synapse first debuted in 2006. Since then, there have been several updates to this endurance road bike. The Synapse has appeared in numerous WorldTour level races, and Cannondale’s professional teams have relied on it for the rough and demanding Spring Classic races. In its latest iteration, Cannondale has made substantial improvements across the board to an already great all-around endurance race machine. While the 2018 version of the bike carries forward features from its predecessor, such as the 25.4mm seatpost and Power Pyramid design at the seat tube and bottom bracket junction; it also boasts a few changes and new features.

Cannondale re-engineered the Synapse’s SAVE micro-suspension system, a series of flex zones designed into the frame, to give it even more compliance. In that process, the frame and fork both shed a noticeable amount of weight (220 grams and 116 grams, respectively, in the Hi Mod). The Synapse is also intentionally asymmetric from front to the back; it’s very noticeable when you look at the fork blades, chain stays, and the seat tube. The asymmetrical design is stiffer and better accommodates disc braking and pedaling forces. The head tube is also said to be 9.4% stiffer than the one on the previous Synapse.

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According to its “Size Optimized Engineering” approach, the Synapse has three different fork offsets along with three different head tube diameters and bearing sizes, based on frame size. In making the Synapse, Cannondale uses different carbon lay ups and tubing diameters depending on the size of the bike. This gives the bike consistent handling characteristics no matter what size the bike is.

Tire clearance has been increased to 32mm, suitable for a bike in this category, and Cannondale included discreet mounts for riders to add full coverage fenders on the inside of the fork blades and seat stays. The Synapse comes with thru-axles for the front and rear.

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One of the more noticeable updates to the new Synapse is its cockpit, including Cannondale’s own SAVE SystemBar bar-stem combination. Aerodynamic and clean-looking, the SystemBar has the aesthetics of a one-piece bar and stem but is a two-piece construction with an aluminum stem and carbon bar. This allows for interchangeable bar and stem widths and lengths along with eight degrees of pitch adjust. The SystemBar also has an integrated computer mount compatible with Garmin and Wahoo Systems and an integrated light mount for Fabric’s Lumaray light. Cable routing is optimized for Shimano Di2, SRAM eTap, and mechanical cables with a port in the down tube providing access to and holding the Di2 junction box neatly out of sight and out of the way. The seat post clamp is also now easily accessed from under the top tube.

How it rides

I had the opportunity to ride the new Synapse around the hills of Lake Como, Italy, where I checked out the updates firsthand in June. I encountered a variety of road surfaces, long climbs, and fast descents, along with incredible scenery to match. (Need Bucket list ride inspiration? Check out our book full of ideas for your next unforgettable ride!)

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The bike was stable and balanced front to back. The stiffness of the bike was apparent to me; I felt pedal energy transmitted directly to the ground. As stout as the bike was while climbing and descending through the mountains, it was noticeably forgiving and smooth. A lot of this could be attributed to the 28mm Vittoria Corsa tires that were on the bike, but the quality of the ride extended well beyond that – it was comfortable and predictable. When descending, the Synapse held its own and felt confident at high speeds in tight turns.

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Some bikes take a little getting used to, but this one did not. A telling sign of a great bike is when you can ride it without thinking about it being under you so that you can be more involved in the experience of the ride, where you are and who you are with. I was happy to be able to do that on the new Cannondale Synapse.

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The Synapse will be available in two levels of carbon fiber (Hi-mod and Carbon) and both women's and men's models. Both genders models use the same frame and dimensions with only colors and touch-points (saddles and handlebar width in this case) to differentiate. The frames are disc brake compatible only with no rim brake version available. Prices start at $2,499 on the Carbon frame in your choice of Sram Apex or Shimano 105. Ultegra builds start at $2,999 and go to $4,199. The top Carbon models are available with Dura Ace mechanical ($4,999) and SRAM E-tap ($5,999). Hi-Mod models are available in three trims: unisex Dura Ace Di2 ($9,999) and Dura Ace mechanical ($6,499) and women's and men's SRAM E-tap models ($7,999). Availability is slated for this summer. For more information visit Cannondale.com.

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